Page 89 of Heal
Kasey bit his lip.
Beau rolled his eyes. This was one fight he was glad he wasn't going to have to listen to.
Carter handed Beau a photo. "You said you were looking for a blonde haired, blue-eyed kid. This him?"
Beau looked at the picture of a naked, thin child sitting on a dirty mattress in what looked like a concrete room. "I don't know. He's someone Jeff knew. Lisa would be able to identify him. I can ask her after school."
"She okay seeing stuff like that?" Bryon asked.
"She knows about the team and what we do. She overheard me talking to Parson about the basics the other night. I told her to talk to Faith if she had questions, then I told Faith to keep people and places out of the conversation. Lisa's a lot like Faith. She's strong. She'd rather I show her this and find out for sure if it's Eric than hide it from her and never know." Beau was so proud of how well Lisa was doing.
Kasey narrowed his eyes. "You've told Lisa and Parson about us?"
"I'm not going to lie to him. I didn't mention names or places, but I have to let you guys know, if things work out between us I want him to know everything. I can't have a serious relationship with someone and hide half of my life from him. I want him to meet my friends, and I don't want us all having to tiptoe around what we say to him, worried we'll slip up, because we know eventually one of us will and he'd find out anyway. If I'm upfront, there won't be a fight later. He knows what the team does, and he's okay with it. His biggest worry is my safety and if I'll make it home to him every night."
"See." Noam nudged Kasey. "It's not easy watching the clock late at night, waiting for the phone call that you're okay."
"When you're ready, let us know and we'll vote on it," Bryon told Beau.
"So it's getting serious, huh?" Kasey smiled up at him.
"We're taking it slow, but I can't see us not being together. I've never met anyone like him. He's just different." Beau smiled just thinking about Parson.
"Ah, I know that look. It's the same one Kase had on his face after meeting Noam. You're screwed, my friend. Might as well put a ring on it and call it good. Your life as a bachelor is over." Carter laughed.
"I sure hope so," Beau said honestly. "I just need him to believe it."
"I'm happy for you." Carter smacked him on the back. "Can't wait to meet him."
"Thanks." Beau glanced at the clock on the wall. "Well, if you guys will excuse me, my kids are out of school in twenty minutes and I'm going to head home and spend some time with them. Keep me posted on what you find, and I'll text you once I talk to Lisa about this photo."
"Have a good night, Beau. I can't wait to meet the kids too." Kasey smiled.
"I'll have a dinner or something soon so you can." He loved the idea of the team getting to know his kids. He wanted to share everything in his life with them, and having his friends meet them was a big part of that. "Kase, call me if that ankle gives you any trouble. Stay off it for a couple of days, especially if you're going in on Friday. Don't fuck around, okay?"
"He won't," Noam promised.
"Dad will make sure I behave." Kasey rolled his eyes at his boyfriend.
Beau laughed as he gave a final wave and headed out the door. He really hoped in time he could include Parson in the group. He wanted him to meet everyone, share in the laughter and jokes, and more than anything, he wanted Parson to be able to trust him and know that there were no more secrets between them. He wasn't sure how long it would take before that would happen, but that was his goal. Until that day, he had to juggle the two sides of his life. At least Parson knew enough that it hopefully wouldn't drive him insane.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
"I can't get my tie right." Jeff pouted as he tossed it on the couch.
"It's okay. It took me a long time to figure these things out." Beau reached for the tie. "I promise one day when we're home and not busy, I'll teach you how to do them. It takes practice." He carefully put the tie around Jeff's neck and tied it. "You look dashing."
Jeff made a face. "Are you sure I have to wear this?" He brushed his hand down the suit Beau had gotten him.
"Just for a few hours. I promise once dinner is over, I'll have Warren bring you guys back home if you don't want to stay. I know you're nervous, but just be yourself. Beth will be there, and she said she'd be happy to stay with you all night if you want her to." Beau was glad his sister had offered. It would make it easier for him to work the room and push for more donations if he didn't have to worry about the kids getting bored. "Santa will be there, don't you want to see him?"
Jeff stared at Beau as if he was crazy. "I know the truth."
"Oh?" Beau wasn't sure what to say.
"But Lisa says I have to act like I believe or it will hurt your feelings, and she says I can't tell the other kids."
Beau smiled. "Well, I never stopped believing, so I guess we'll just have to disagree on things, won't we? I've always loved Christmas. It's magical and happy, and now that I have you and Lisa to share it with, it will be even more amazing." He kissed Jeff on the forehead before stepping back.
